Cherry Orchard residents clean up debris after cancelled fireworks display

Residents of Cherry Orchard in west Dublin spent Sunday morning clearing debris from Croftwood Meadows after a disruptive Halloween night. The area contained burnt-out vehicles, broken glass, bottles, and firework cartons. Smoke from bonfires was still rising when locals began the cleanup process.

The disorder followed the cancellation of the area's annual Halloween fireworks display. Dublin City Council announced the decision days prior, citing circumstances beyond its control. Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan attributed the cancellation to ongoing industrial action by public sector workers involved in a pay dispute. He described the organised display as a longstanding part of local celebrations.

Footage shared online showed vehicles speeding through estates and colliding with one another. Fireworks were set off toward crowds, and fires started on roads and green spaces. Some residents believe the official display helps prevent anti-social behaviour, a view Doolan supported. He stated that the cancellation provided a lesson for future years.

Gardaí attempted to manage the situation, but some areas were too dangerous to enter. Dublin Fire Brigade confirmed that crews could not attend certain incidents due to hostile conditions. Doolan said a small group of people "terrorised the community" and left families frightened in their homes.

Dublin Fire Brigade reported receiving 585 calls on Halloween, with 470 directly related to the holiday. Across all operations, the service handled 1,620 calls, including 669 ambulance calls and 366 regional fire calls. Chief Fire Officer Greg O'Dwyer described the volume as "extremely high," citing dry weather and the holiday falling on a Saturday.

O'Dwyer noted that stolen cars and debris blocked roads in parts of the city, preventing fire crews from reaching incidents. Despite the disruption, no injuries to fire brigade personnel were recorded, and no firework-related injuries were reported. Most burnt-out cars in Cherry Orchard had been removed by Sunday.

Doolan urged residents to keep the following night quiet. He called for the fireworks display to return next year, arguing it traditionally helps keep celebrations under control.